Electrostatically charged multi-acting nasal application, product, and method

ABSTRACT

A product to reduce and method of reducing the risk of inhalation of harmful substances by applying a formulation composition to a substrate or the skin in close proximity of one or more nostrils. This formulation, when applied creates an electrostatic field having a charge. The electrostatic field attracts airborne particulates of opposite charge to the substrate that are in close proximity to the substrate close to the skin and a biocidic agent renders microorganisms coming in contact the substrate or skin less harmful.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

-   a) The Present application is the non-provisional counterpart of my    pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/085,555 (the    '555 application) filed on Aug. 3, 2008 which is incorporated by    reference in its entirety herein. The Present application claims the    benefit of and priority to said '555 application.-   b) The Present application is also the non-provisional counterpart    of my pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.    61/078,478 (the '478 application) filed on Jul. 7, 2008 which is    incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The Present    application claims the benefit of and priority to said '478    application.-   c) The Present application is likewise related to my prior U.S.    Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/570,103 (the '103    application) filed on May 12, 2004 (now expired), and which is    incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The '478    application provides a virtually identical disclosure to the '103    application.-   d) Furthermore, the Present application is related to my pending    U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/078,472 filed on Jul. 7,    2008, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.-   e) The Present application is also related to my prior U.S.    Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/598,462 filed on Aug. 3,    2004 (now expired), and which is incorporated by reference in its    entirety herein.-   f) The Present application is additionally related to my U.S. Pat.    No. 5,468,488, entitled “ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED NASAL APPLICATION    PRODUCT AND METHOD” issued on Nov. 21, 1995. This patent is    incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.-   g) The Present application is further related to my U.S. Pat. No.    5,674,481, entitled “ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED NASAL TOPICAL    APPLICATION PRODUCT” issued on Oct. 7, 1997. This patent is    incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.-   h) The Present application is moreover related to my U.S. Pat. No.    6,844,005 entitled “ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED NASAL APPLICATION    PRODUCT WITH INCREASED STRENGTH” issued on Jan. 18, 2005. This    patent is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.-   i) Finally, this application is furthermore related to US    Non-Provisional Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/082,978    entitled “ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED NASAL APPLICATION PRODUCT WITH    INCREASED STRENGTH” filed on Feb. 25, 2002. This patent application    is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The Present Invention relates to the field of protective compositionsagainst assault by various irritants and noxious substances as well asagainst assault by assorted microorganisms that typically gain entryinto the body through the airway and/or nasal mucosa. The PresentInvention also relates to anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbialproducts and methods that involve the use of products heretoforedeveloped for restricting the flow of airborne contaminants into thenasal passages by creating an electrostatic field in an area near aboutthe nasal passages. This reduced the inflow of airborne contaminants tothe nasal passages by capturing the contaminants and keeping them fromentering the body. In the present invention, these electrostaticallycharged nasal application products capture and hold the contaminantsincluding viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms or toxicparticulates, inactivate them dermally outside the body and render themharmless.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The nasal passages and nasal mucosa serve as body entry points for awide variety of noxious and toxic substances. The body's immune systemresponds with certain relatively harmless irritants to the nasalpassages and airways with reflex responses such as coughing andsneezing. This merely re-introduces the irritants into the environment.However, when the irritant comprises microorganisms, especially thosethat reproduce within the body and that are transmitted by coughing andsneezing, others may become infected. When a person feels a cough or asneeze coming on, he merely covers his nose and mouth. However, if thatperson is contagious, this action does little to prevent others fromalso becoming infected. Furthermore, the use of a tissue or handkerchieffor this purpose is extremely inefficient. This limits the protection ofan individual from becoming infected or infecting others.

Other means of dealing with preventing inhalation of harmful orirritating substances or of infections agents include wearing facemasksto filter out these irritants. An example of this is the simple dustmask, typically found in the hardware store or medical supply store.However, even these are inadequate and inefficient. In many localities,during flu season, one can see a large number of people wearing thesedust masks in public places. The dust masks are now known to beineffective. Another example of this preventative method is the gasmask, which is more efficient than the dust mask. Yet, even gas masksare not highly efficient with respect to microscopic and sub-microscopicmicroorganisms. Furthermore, they are extremely cumbersome and cannotgenerally be used during normal day-to-day activities.

Patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,005 describe electrostaticallycharged compositions that may be applied externally in the vicinity ofthe nostril and attract oppositely charged materials that wouldotherwise be inhaled. However, those compositions simply create anelectrostatic field that helps to filter out oppositely chargedmaterials. While this action may offer suitable protection againstparticles that are inhaled passively, they suffer from the fact thatthey cannot completely deal with particulates that have their owninternal means of overcoming the electrostatic forces, such asmicroorganisms that are motile within the air stream. Furthermore,actions by the person having those electrostatic compositions in thevicinity of the nostrils can sufficiently displace the offendingparticles or organisms, especially in such instances as blowing orwiping the nose, so that particles that were held captive by the formercompositions could become dislodged, again set free, and be inhaled.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

-   -   It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a        composition that can be readily applied to the exterior region        around the nostril and/or slightly inside the edge of the        nostril or near the vicinity of the source of release with        method and compositions capable of capturing particulates and        microorganisms.    -   It is another object of the invention to have the capability to        hold it for a duration from being dislodged in to the air stream        again.    -   It is a further object of the invention to provide a composition        that can be applied near the vicinity of the source of release        or to the area around the exterior of and/or slightly inside the        edge of the nostril that will inactivate, kill, or render        harmless a microorganism, which has been captured and held by        the composition.    -   It is yet another object of the invention to provide a        composition that can be applied to a filter substrate for        improving the substrates ability to trap and hold particulates        and microorganisms and to simultaneously inactivate, kill, or        render harmless the microorganisms so trapped. Such filter        substrate could be placed in the close proximity of the skin        near the path of inhalation, near the source of release of such        particulates while the inhaler is at a distance or both.    -   It is still another object of the invention to provide a method        of prophylactically preventing or of substantially reducing the        risk of infection by an infectious agent without the utilization        of ingested antiviral and/or antibacterial agents.    -   Yet other objects of the invention will be apparent to those of        ordinary skill once having benefit of the instant disclosure. In        all of the foregoing objects, the deficiencies of the previously        mentioned prior art are overcome by the teachings of this        invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are unexpectedly achieved by anelectrostatically charged composition having at least one polymericquaternary compound in an aqueous or non-aqueous based formulation,which when applied to a surface, creates an electrostatic field suchthat oppositely charged airborne particulates (including microorganisms)in the vicinity of the surface are electrostatically trapped, heldthereto and one or more of the microorganisms so captured isneutralized, killed, inactivated, and rendered harmless.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to anti-microorganism,anti-viral/anti-bacterial products and methods that involve the use ofproducts that restrict the flow of airborne contaminants into the nasalpassages by creating an electrostatic field in an area near about thenasal passages. Additionally, in the present invention, theseelectrostatically charged nasal application products are used to holdthe contaminants including microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, and otherharmful or toxic particulate outside the body and render them harmless.

Emergencies of Anthrax lead to the concept of avoidance of inhalingairborne microscopic and sub-microscopic contaminants. It is theintention of the Present Invention to filter and render harmlessmaterials such as anthrax spores, human corona virus, smallpox virus,influenza virus, avian flu virus, swine flu virus, rhino virus, andother biological or chemical elements/toxins/irritants, and the like,prior to their entering the nasal passages.

Airborne microorganisms are a major cause of respiratory ailments inhumans, causing allergies, asthma, and pathogenic infections of therespiratory tract. Airborne fungal spores are also important agents thatspread diseases. Respiratory diseases cause many fatalities and are acause of great concern. During a sneeze, millions of tiny droplets ofwater and mucus are expelled at a high velocity. The droplets containviral particles and/or bacteria. This is a means of transmission ofseveral diseases by inhaled airborne particles as follows:

VIRAL DISEASES BACTERIAL DISEASES (virus type in brackets) (bacterialname in brackets) Chickenpox (Varicella) Whooping cough (Bordetellapertussis) Flu (Influenza) Meningitis (Neisseria species) Measles(Rubeola) Diphtheria (Corynebacterium German measles (Rubella)diphtheriae) Mumps (Mumps) Pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Smallpox(Variola) Streptococcus species) SARS (Human Corona) Tuberculosis(Mycobacterium tuberculosis) Anthrax (Anthracsis bacterium)

-   -   Diseases caused by environmental particulates include, but are        not limited to the following:

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTICULATE DISEASES SOURCE Psittacosis (Chlamydiapsittaci) Dried, powdery droppings from infected birds (parrots,pigeons, etc.) Legionnaire's disease (Legionella Droplets fromair-conditioning pneumophila) systems, water storage tanks, etc., wherethe bacterium grows. Acute allergic alveolitis (various Fungal oractinomycete spores from fungal and actinomycete spores) decomposingorganic matter (composts, grain stores, hay, etc.) Aspergillosis(Aspergillus Fungal spores inhaled from fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger)decomposing organic matter. Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma Spores of thefungus, in old, capsulatum) weathered bat or bird droppings.Coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides Spores in air-blown dust in desertimmitis) regions (Central, South and North America) where the fungusgrows in the soil.

To accomplish the present invention, a formulation having at least onepolyquaternary ammonium compound is prepared, such compounds, alone ortogether capable of creating an electrostatic field on and around asurface to which it is applied, including surfaces such as skin, textile(woven and non-woven), and hard surfaces, such as floors, walls, wood,metal, plastic, etc. The formulation is generally aqueous based, but mayinclude non-aqueous solvents used which are compatible with the otherformulation components and the application surface to which it isapplied. Preferably, the formulation is an aqueous formulation. Inaddition to the polyquaternary ammonium compound, the compositionincludes at least. Furthermore, the composition may contain, but is notrequired to contain various thickeners, gellants, fragrances, colorants,emollients, humectants, and generally other suitable components that arecompatible with the end use application and the other components of theformulations. Thus, a composition of the invention that is intended tobe applied to a filter substrate that is perhaps used as a mask with anadditional liner between a user and the filter substrate may utilizematerials that would not be compatible with direct contact with skin,although it is preferable that all of the components are compatible withdirect application to the skin as a means of limiting reaction due toinadvertent contact between the composition and the skin.

A formulation of the invention comprises:

-   -   water,    -   at least one quaternary thickener,    -   a preservative,    -   a conditioner,    -   an emulsifier,    -   a biocidic agent, and    -   a neutralizing agent added to adjust and achieve a pH in the        range of 5.0 to 6.8.

It may further comprise without limitation a combination of thefollowing:

-   -   a surfactant,    -   a thickener,    -   an emollient,    -   a humectant, and    -   a binder.

In an exemplary embodiment of such a formulation, a quaternary thickenermay comprise without limitation, at least one of the following:

-   -   Polyquaternium-10    -   Polyquaternium-22    -   Polyquaternium-67    -   Polyquaternium-70    -   Polyquaternium-72    -   Polyquaternium-88    -   Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin    -   Hydroxypropyltrimonium Wheat Protein

Benzalkonium Chloride may also serve the same function, but it is also acationic agent as well as a biocide. Another biocide that may be used isLysine HCL.

In an exemplary embodiment of such a formulation, an emulsifier maycomprise without limitation, at least one of the following:

-   -   Cetyl Alcohol (which can also serve as a thickener)    -   Cetearyl Alcohol    -   Glyceryl Stearate    -   Ceteareth-20    -   PEG-40 Stearate    -   Dicetyl Phosphate    -   Ceteth-10 Phosphate

In an exemplary embodiment of such a formulation, the emollient may beIsocetyl Behenate without limitation. The thickener may be Cetyl Alcoholor Stearyl Alcohol without limitation.

In an exemplary embodiment of such a formulation, a preservative maycomprise without limitation, at least one of the following:

-   -   Phenoxyethanol;    -   Methylparaben;    -   Butylparaben;    -   Ethylparaben;    -   Propylparaben;    -   Isobutylparaben.

Examples of typical formulations found to be effective appear in the tentables that follow. Percentages are given by weight.

TABLE 1 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 62%-80% Solvent,Moisturizer Gluconolactone, 1% Preservative Sodium Benzoate Lysine HCL1% Conditioner Polyquaternium - 67 3%-6% Conditioner Octoxynol - 9 2%-5%Surfactant Polyquaternium - 72  6%-10% Conditioner Polyquaternium - 700.5%-1%   Conditioner Dipropylene Glycol Isocetyl Behenate 4%-6%Emollient Stearyl Alcohol 1%-3% Thickener Cetyl Alcohol 0.25%-1%  Thickener Ceteareth - 20, 1%-2% Emulsifier PEG - 40 Stearate, CetearylAlcohol Water, 0.5%-1.5% Conditioner Hydrolyzed Algin Hydrolized SoyProtein 0.25%-1%   Conditioner

TABLE 2 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 72%-88% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol 1% Preservative Methylparaben, Propylparaben,Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1% Conditioner,Biocide Polyquaternium - 67 3%-6% Conditioner, Quaternary Nonoxynol - 102%-4% Surfactant Cocodimonium 0.5%-2%   Conditioner, QuaternaryHydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin Polyquaternium - 72 0.5%-2%  Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 88 1%-4% Conditioner,Quaternary Cetearyl Alcohol, 1%-4% Emulsifier Glyceryl StearateEmulsifier, PEG - 40 Stearate, Ceteareth - 20 Cetearyl Alcohol, 0.5%  Emulsifier Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth - 10 Phosphate BenzalkoniumChloride 0.25%-1%   Cationic, Quaternary, Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium1% Conditioner, Quaternary Wheat Protein Sodium Hydroxide 0.01%-0.05%Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 3 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 67%-87% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1%Conditioner, Biocide Polyquaternium - 67 3%-7% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 72 3%-7% Conditioner, Quaternary Cocodimonium 1%-4%Conditioner, Quaternary Hydroxypropyl Hydrolized KeratinPolyquaternium - 88 1%-4% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol1.5%-2.5% Thickener Cetearyl Alcohol, 1%-4% Emulsifier Glyceryl PEG - 40Stearate, Ceteareth - 20 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%   Cationic,Quaternary, Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner, QuaternaryWheat Protein Sodium Hydroxide .025%-.075% Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 4 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 71%-83% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1%Conditioner, Biocide Polyquaternium - 67 4%-6% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 72 4%-6% Conditioner, Quaternary Cocodimonium 2%-4%Conditioner, Quaternary Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin Polyquaternum -88 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 2% Thickener CetearylAlcohol,   1%-3.5% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40 Stearate,Ceteareth - 20 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%   Cationic, Quaternary,Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner, Quaternary Wheat ProteinSodium Hydroxide .025%-.075% Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 5 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 73%-85% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1%Conditioner, Biocide Polyquaternium - 67 2%-3% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 72 4%-6% Conditioner, Quaternary Cocodimonium 2%-4%Conditioner, Quaternary Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed KeratinPolyquaternium - 88 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 2%Thickener Cetearyl Alcohol, 1%-3% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40Stearate, Ceteareth - 20 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%   Cationic,Quaternary, Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner, QuaternaryWheat Protein Sodium Hydroxide 0.05%-0.75% Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 6 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 69%-85% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Lysine HCL1% Conditioner, Biocide Polyquaternium - 10 0.25%-0.85% Conditioner,Quaternary Polyquaternium - 67 1.5%-3.5% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 72 4%-6% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 1%-3%Thickener Cocodimonium 2%-4% Conditioner, Quaternary HydroxypropylHydrolyzed Keratin Polyquaternium - 88 1%-3% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 22 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetearyl Alcohol,1%-3% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40 Stearate, Ceteareth - 20Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%   Conditioner, Quaternary, BiocideHydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner, Quaternary Wheat Protein SodiumHydroxide 0.05%-0.75% Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 7 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 67%-86% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben, Butylparaben,Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1% Conditioner, BiocidePolyquaternium - 10 1%-4% Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 671%-4% Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 72 0.5%-1.5% Conditioner,Quaternary Cocodimonium 0.5%-1.5% Conditioner, Quaternary HydroxypropylHydrolized Keratin Microcare Quat CTC 30 1%-3% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 88 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 221%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 3%-5% Thickener CetearylAlcohol, 2%-3% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40 Stearate,Ceteareth - 20 Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%   Conditioner, Quaternary,Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner, Quaternary Wheat ProteinSodium Hydroxide 0.05%-0.1%  Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 8 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 58%-74% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1%Conditioner, Biocide Glycerin 10%  Humectant Glyceryl Acetate/Acrylic 1%Conditioner, Humectant Acid Copolymer Polyquaternium - 10 1%-4%Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 67 1%-3% Conditioner,Quaternary Polyquaternium - 72 0.5%-1.5% Conditioner, QuaternaryCocodimonium 0.5%-1.5% Conditioner, Quaternary Hydroxypropyl HydrolyzedKeratin Cetrimonium Chloride 1%-3% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 88 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 221%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 4% Thickener CetearylAlcohol, 2%-3% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40 Stearate,Ceteareth - 20 Polybutene 4% Binder Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%  Conditioner, Quaternary, Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner,Quaternary Wheat Protein Sodium Hydroxide .0.05%-0.1%   NeutralizingAgent

TABLE 9 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 54%-73% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1%Conditioner, Biocide Glycerin 8% Humectant Glyceryl Acetate/Acrylic 1%Conditioner, Humectant Acid Copolymer Polyquaternium - 10 1%-4%Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 67 1%-4% Conditioner,Quaternary Polyquaternium - 72 0.5%-2%   Conditioner, QuaternaryCocodimonium 0.5%-2%   Conditioner, Quaternary Hydroxypropyl HydrolyzedKeratin Cetrimonium Chloride 1%-3% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 88 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 221%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 4% Thickener CetearylAlcohol, 2%-3% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40 Stearate,Ceteareth - 20 Polybutene 3%-4% Binder Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%  Conditioner, Quaternary, Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner,Quaternary Wheat Protein Sodium Hydroxide 0.05%-0.1%  Neutralizing Agent

TABLE 10 Ingredient Percent Range Function Water 52%-71% Solvent,Moisturizer Phenoxyethanol, 1% Preservative Methylparaben,Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben Lysine HCL 1%Conditioner, Biocide Glycerin 9% Humectant Glyceryl Acetate/Acrylic 1%Conditioner, Humectant Acid Copolymer Polyquaternium - 10   1%-3.5%Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 67 1%-3% Conditioner,Quaternary Polyquaternium - 72 0.5%-2%   Conditioner, QuaternaryCocodimonium 0.5%-2%   Conditioner, Quaternary Hydroxypropyl HydrolyzedKeratin Cetrimonium Chloride 1%-3% Conditioner, QuaternaryPolyquaternium - 88 1%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Polyquaternium - 221%-3% Conditioner, Quaternary Cetyl Alcohol 4% Thickener CetearylAlcohol, 1%-4% Emulsifier Glyceryl Stearate, PEG - 40 Stearate,Ceteareth - 20 Polybutene 5%-6% Binder Benzalkonium Chloride 0.25%-1%  Conditioner, Quaternary, Biocide Hydroxypropyltrimonium 1% Conditioner,Quaternary Wheat Protein Sodium Hydroxide 0.05%-0.1%  Neutralizing Agent

All of the formulations described in TABLE 1-10 representing variousembodiments of the Present Invention operate in the manner that wasdisclosed herein. The same results may be achieved by varying thepercentages for the active and inactive ingredients. Varying thepercentages for the active ingredients affects the potency of theformulation. Varying the percentages for the inactive ingredientsaffects the consistency of the formulation. The desired results may beachieved by varying the ingredients and their amounts by those skilledin the art without undue experimentation.

1. A method for electrostatically inhibiting harmful particulate matterfrom infecting an individual through nasal inhalation wherein aformulation is applied to skin or tissue of nasal passages of theindividual in a thin film, said method comprising: a) electrostaticallyattracting the particulate matter to the thin film; b) holding theparticulate matter in place by adjusting the adhesion of the thin filmto permit said thin film to stick to the skin or tissue and by adjustingthe cohesion of the formulation to provide adequate impermeability tothe thin film; and, c) inactivating the particulate matter by adding atleast one ingredient that would render said particulate matter harmless.2. A formulation for electrostatically inhibiting harmful particulatematter from infecting an individual through nasal inhalation wherein theformulation is applied to skin or tissue of nasal passages of theindividual in a thin film, said formulation comprising at least onecationic agent and at least one biocidic agent, and wherein saidformulation, once applied: a) electrostatically attracts the particulatematter to the thin film; b) holds the particulate matter in place byadjusting the adhesion of the thin film to permit said thin film tostick to the skin or tissue and by adjusting the cohesion of theformulation to provide adequate impermeability to the thin film; and, c)inactivates the particulate matter and renders said particulate matterharmless.
 3. The formulation of claim 2 wherein the at least onecationic agent is a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound.
 4. Theformulation of claim 3 wherein the at least one polymeric quaternaryammonium compound is taken from the group consisting of:Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-67,Polyquaternium-70, Polyquaternium-72, and Polyquaternium-88.
 5. Theformulation of claim 2 wherein the at least one cationic agent isCocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin or HydroxypropyltrimoniumWheat Protein.
 6. The formulation of claim 2 wherein the at least onecationic agent is Benzalkonium Chloride.
 7. The formulation of claim 2wherein the at least one biocidic agent is Benzalkonium Chloride orLysine HCL.
 8. A formulation for electrostatically inhibiting harmfulparticulate matter from infecting an individual through nasal inhalationwherein the formulation is applied to skin or tissue of nasal passagesof the individual in a thin film, said formulation comprising: a) atleast one biocidic agent, and b) at least one quaternary thickener. 9.The formulation of claim 8 wherein the at least one biocidic agent isBenzalkonium Chloride or Lysine HCL.
 10. The formulation of claim 8wherein the at least one quaternary thickener is taken from the groupconsisting of: Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-67,Polyquaternium-70, Polyquaternium-72, and Polyquaternium-88.
 11. Theformulation of claim 8 wherein the at least one cationic agent isCocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin or HydroxypropyltrimoniumWheat Protein.
 12. The formulation of claim 8 wherein the at least onecationic agent is Benzalkonium Chloride.
 13. The formulation of claim 8further comprising: a) water, b) a preservative, c) a conditioner, andd) an emulsifier.
 14. The formulation of claim 13 further comprising aneutralizing agent added to adjust a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8. 15.The formulation of claim 13 further comprising a surfactant.
 16. Theformulation of claim 13 further comprising a thickener.
 17. Theformulation of claim 13 further comprising an emollient.
 18. Theformulation of claim 13 further comprising a humectant.
 19. Theformulation of claim 13 further comprising a binder.
 20. The formulationof claim 13 wherein the preservative is taken from the group consistingof: Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, andIsobutylparaben.
 21. The formulation of claim 13 wherein the emulsifieris taken from the group consisting of: Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol,Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-20, PEG-40 Stearate, Dicetyl Phosphate,Ceteth-10 Phosphate.
 22. The formulation of claim 16 wherein thethickener is Cetyl Alcohol or Stearyl Alcohol.
 23. The formulation ofclaim 13 wherein: a) the amount of water ranges from 54% to 90% byweight b) the amount of the quaternary thickener ranges from 0.5% to5.0% by weight, c) the amount of biocidic agent ranges from 0.25% to 2%by weight, d) the amount of emulsifier ranges from 0.5% to 4% by weight.